Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42254301›Full record

ArticleHealth science reports2026

Technology-Driven Ergonomics: A Narrative Review of Innovative Strategies for Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Modern Work Environments.

Mahnaz Shakerian, Azam Salehi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Health science reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Mahnaz ShakerianDepartment of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Isfahan Iran.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6830-3046
Azam SalehiDepartment of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Isfahan Iran.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4352-0922

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a major cause of occupational disability, absenteeism, and productivity loss. Traditional ergonomic interventions have shown limited success in addressing their complex, multifactorial nature. Recent advances in digital and biomechanical technologies have created new opportunities for preventive, technology-driven ergonomic strategies. This review explores how these innovations support the prevention and management of MSDs in modern work environments. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using five major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) for studies published between 2015 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on technological applications for MSD prevention. A total of 74 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized across six categories: wearable technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, virtual and augmented reality, advanced ergonomic furniture, smart adaptive workstations, and human-robot collaboration. Results: Across these domains, interventions consistently improved ergonomic outcomes. Wearable and AI-based systems reduced biomechanical load by 12%-85% and high-risk postures by up to 35%. VR/AR applications enhanced hazard recognition by over 40%, while adaptive furniture and smart workstations reduced spinal load and fatigue by 20%-30%. Collaborative robotics lowered muscular workload by about 35%-40%. Despite clear benefits, gaps remain regarding long-term validation, user acceptance, cost, and ethical data management. Conclusion: Technology-driven ergonomics signifies a shift from reactive to proactive occupational health. Integrating real-time analytics, automation, and human-centered design can foster safer, adaptive, and sustainable workplaces. Future research should pursue longitudinal studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical frameworks to advance digital ergonomics and promote worker well-being.

Identifiers

PMID42254301
PMCPMC13239842

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.